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NPR's Chris Arnold reports on a type of sharecropping that targets Hispanic farmers in California. The farmers sign contracts with vegetable brokers, who lend them money to go into business and then claim a large share of the crops as payment. The farmers tend to be former migrant workers, who are not fluent in English.

Al Gore will give the biggest political speech of his life tonight at the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles. As he accepts his party's nomination for president, Gore will reintroduce himself to the American people, hoping to demonstrate that he has the substance and the character to lead the nation. NPR's Anthony Brooks has traveled with the campaign for much of the year and reports tonight from L.A.

Over the years, delegates to Democratic National Conventions have been treated to soaring oratory. Many of those who have given memorable speeches are in Los Angeles this week, often sharing the podium with their children. NPR's Elizabeth Arnold looks back at those speeches and the lessons they hold for Al Gore.

While most of California suffers through a severe energy shortage, L.A. is awash in power. The city opted out of deregulation and is still able to generate enough electricity to provide the city with inexpensive and reliable power. NPR's Scott Horsley reports.

Highlights from Democratic vice presidential nominee Joseph Lieberman's acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles.

NPR's Andy Bowers reports that Senator Joe Lieberman's speech last night was a centrist message, carefully crafted not to alienate liberal voters. Many political commentators have said the Democratic Party must court both ideologies to win the election in November.

NPR's Ina Jaffe reports that there are plenty of parties to keep delegates and officials entertained at this week's Democratic Convention in Los Angeles. One of fanciest was hosted by Louisiana Senator John Breaux, but paid for, as almost all are, by large corporations and special interest groups.

NPR's Peter Overby reports on the lavish parties that private corporations and interest groups put on for influential members of Congress at political conventions. Although everyone says no lobbying takes place, critics say that such parties can provide the basis for personal relationships between elected officials and lobbyists, and in the long run, that can pay dividends to special interests.

Scott Horsley of member station KPBS reports that a Finnish high-tech firm is teaming up with Marvel Enterprises to bring Spiderman and other superheros to wireless phones and gadgets.

NPR's Melissa Block reports on day three of the Democratic National Convention. Last night Vice Presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman urged Americans to elect Al Gore to the White House, calling him a man of vision and values. In his address Lieberman promised that Gore would bring economic prosperity to everyone.